Hoyer Statement on House Passage of Republican Budget

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement after the House passed the House Republican Budget for Fiscal Year 2014. This is the third year in a row that every Democrat has opposed the Republican budget:

“Once again, Republicans have passed a budget that places the burden of deficit reduction most heavily on the backs of the middle class and those most in need. Again they have passed a budget that provides a hefty tax cut for the wealthiest paid for by the middle-class, relies on huge, unspecified discretionary savings and mandatory spending cuts with magic asterisks that hide high costs for seniors and low-income families. And, for a third year in a row, it demands a repeal of the Affordable Care Act and would end the Medicare guarantee by turning it into a voucher program.

“Democrats unanimously opposed the Republican budget not only because of what it would do but what it fails to do: replace the irrational and arbitrary cuts of sequestration; responsibly put our nation on a fiscally sustainable path to reduce deficits without harming the economy; or invest in job creation and economic growth. Only a balanced solution, which combines smart, targeted cuts to spending with new revenues, can achieve the savings we need to restore fiscal discipline, provide certainty to our private sector, and invest in economic competitiveness to attract middle-class jobs. As the budget process moves forward in both chambers, I urge House Republicans to work with Democrats over the coming weeks to enact a conference agreement that is balanced and will set us on a path to a strong fiscal and economic future.”